Vatican & Croatian Coastlines Cruise Tour
 
Venice to Rome
Fri Mar 19, 2027 - Mon Mar 29, 2027,
 10 days
 on Star Explorer
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Starting from $7,099 USD
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Venice to Rome
Delve into architectural and epicurean wonders on both sides of the Italian peninsula during this 10-day adventure that combines an Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast cruise with a Vatican tour, Colosseum visit, and foodie market tour in Rome. Listen to the Venetian clock tower bells of Torre dell’Orologio strike the hour as hundreds of pigeons scatter about St. Mark’s Square. Sip crisp and dry Verdicchio paired with octopus salad or garlic-flavored black risotto in delicious Dubrovnik. Drift past the blue domes of Our Lady of the Rocks, a sanctuary for Kotor’s local fishermen for nearly 2,000 years. Sample succulent baked cardoon stalks harvested from Sicilian thistles and dusted with melted aged Parmesan cheese near the precipitous slopes of Mount Etna in Giardini Naxos. Experience an exclusive tour deep into the storied shadows of the Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel, and dine in a Rome restaurant featuring authentic Italian dishes.
voyage map
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Day 1: Venice
No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.
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Day 2: Venice
No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.
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Day 3: Zadar
Something here will capture your heart. A Roman amphitheater, 9th century churches, and museums packed with Byzantine-era artworks crowd the peninsula that tidily contains the Old Town. It’s a tempting way to spend the day for sure. While away the day listening to Zadar’s giant Sea Organ, a haunting musical improv performed by the surging Adriatic or share a bench with a sun-drunk cat as you bite into a truffle.
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Day 4: Dubrovnik
While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 
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Day 5: Dubrovnik
While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 
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Day 7: Messina (Taormina)
The cobblestone streets of Messina, Sicily, are the perfect launching point for an optional visit to nearby Taormina. Stroll along flower-filled streets in search of a delightful lunch or an artist’s palette of colorful gelati. The ancient Greek Theater is an ideal place to sit back and admire shimmering waters below and Mount Etna, languidly smoking in the distance.
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Day 8: Naples
Less than two hours from Rome, the port city of Naples was founded by the Greeks, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unlike any other city in Italy.  It is a busy, bustling place where mini-operettas take place on street corners, Vespas scoot across the pedestrian piazzas, the small narrow streets are hanging thick with laundry and graffiti is everywhere. But Naples is full of archaeological treasures that are among the most impressive in the world, including breathtaking frescoes and sculptures. Its beautiful palaces, castles and churches make Rome look provincial. And the food in Naples is among the best you’ll find in Italy, serving decadent pizza, pasta, coffee, and seafood dishes you’ll never forget.
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Day 9: Rome
In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.
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Day 9: Disembark and Head into Rome
Disembark the ship and board a motor coach for the Eternal City. Your guide will take you on a local fruit and vegetables market tour, explaining the Roman lifestyle and street food. Discover the picturesque and hidden corners of Rome next to the most glorious temples and fountains of the Roman and Papal times, while sampling some local delicacies such as pizza or gelato! The Roman Street Food experience is a foodie’s dream. Then drive to your hotel and get settled with the evening at your leisure to relax in your room or walk around central Rome.

(Includes overnight at the Mascagni Hotel and local tasting)
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Day 10: In the Heart of the Eternal City
Breakfast is included at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel and set off to the Colosseum where you will visit and learn about the expansion and organization of Rome at the time of the Emperors. You will have the opportunity to enter the Colosseum. Approach the Forum and see a valley full of temples and ancient buildings reminiscent of the ancient city that lives below the modern one.  Enjoy some free time for a cappuccino or or light lunch before moving to the Vatican City, for your tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.  You will enter the museums by means of a skip-the-line reservation and you will admire the greatest collection of works of art with the help of an informative guide. At the end of the museums galleries you will enter the world-famous Sistine Chapel where the masterpieces of Michelangelo Buonarroti – such as the glorious fresco painting of the Last Judgment - a truly intense moment.
 
(Includes overnight at the Mascagni Hotel and breakfast.)
 
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Day 11: Check out and Transfer
Breakfast is included. Check out and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

(Includes breakfast and airport transfer)

What’s Included?

  • 2 hotel nights at Mascagni Hotel in Rome or similar hotel
  • All transfers to and from the various included sites
  • Admission fees to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel
  • 8-day cruise from Rome to Venice or reverse
  • Activity Level: Moderate
Popular Highlights
Dubrovnik
Tour the Old City and medieval walls of Dubrovnik, UNESCO sites.
Kotor
Stroll the pedestrian-only streets of Kotor’s Old Town, a UNESCO site.
Rome
Extend your time in Rome to make sure you see the sites from the unique perspectives offered by this Cruise Tour.
Rovinj
Discover the magic of Rovinj and its Old Town.
San Clemente Basilica
Take a tour of underground San Clemente Basilica.
Vatican Museums
Tour the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Itinerary at a Glance
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
MarinaWatersports Platform: 
Fri Mar 19
Venice
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Mar 20
Venice
Arrive:  
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Mar 21
Zadar
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  5:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Mar 22
Dubrovnik
Arrive:  12:00 PM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Tue Mar 23
Dubrovnik
Arrive:  
Depart:  6:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Wed Mar 24
AT SEA
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Thu Mar 25
Messina (Taormina)
Arrive:  7:00 AM
Depart:  3:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Fri Mar 26
Naples
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  4:00 PM
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Mar 27
Rome
Arrive:  8:00 AM
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sat Mar 27
Disembark and Head into Rome
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Sun Mar 28
In the Heart of the Eternal City
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Mon Mar 29
Check out and Transfer
Arrive:  
Depart:  
Watersports Platform: 
Accommodations & Pricing
The Windstar Life
The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows.The moment you board you’ll feel it: an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere
Signature Onboard Barbecue
Cooking Demonstrations
Genuine and Thoughtful Crew
Crew Talent Show
Open Bridge
Local and Live Performances
Relax at the Pool or Hot Tub
Complimentary 24 Hour Room Service
Signature Sail Away
Shopping With The Chef
Take In The Sun
Marina
Enjoy regionally inspired treatments at World Spa by Windstar
Relax With A Morning Yoga Session
ALL DATES &
FARES
Christmas in July Sales Event
2026 & 2027 Early Booking Offer
Last Minute Cruise Deals
Go All-Inclusive — On Us
Great cruise-only fares or make it an all-inclusive voyage with Wi-Fi, unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities. From $99 per guest per day.
Date
Ship
All-Inclusive
From
Cruise Only
From
Sun, Sep 14 - Wed, Sep 24, 2025
WIND SURF
$7,095
$6,303
Wed, Oct 1 - Sat, Oct 11, 2025
WIND SURF
$6,099
$6,099
Thu, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 26, 2025
WIND SURF
$5,899
$5,899
Sun, Oct 26 - Wed, Nov 5, 2025
WIND SURF
$6,099
$6,099
Tue, Aug 18 - Fri, Aug 28, 2026
WIND SURF
$6,891
$6,099
Mon, Aug 31 - Thu, Sep 10, 2026
WIND SURF
$7,191
$6,399
Sat, Sep 19 - Tue, Sep 29, 2026
WIND SURF
$7,191
$6,399
Mon, Oct 5 - Thu, Oct 15, 2026
WIND SURF
$6,991
$6,199
Thu, Oct 15 - Wed, Oct 28, 2026
WIND SURF
$7,189
$6,199
Wed, Jan 20 - Sat, Jan 30, 2027
STAR EXPLORER
$6,899
$6,899
Sat, Jan 30 - Tue, Feb 9, 2027
STAR EXPLORER
$6,899
$6,899
Tue, Mar 9 - Fri, Mar 19, 2027
STAR EXPLORER
$6,899
$6,899
Fri, Mar 19 - Mon, Mar 29, 2027
STAR EXPLORER
$7,099
$7,099
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SAILING